Last week, the technical regulations for 2026 were released. This has so far caused discontent among
F1 drivers and
F1 teams. In addition, further speculation has increased again about who will be able to win the championship in 2026. Former
Formula 1 driver
Robert Doornbos is adamant:
Red Bull Racing at least not.
As in 2022, in 2026 the technical regulations will again go through a complete overhaul. One key component is sustainabilty. The engine will play an important role as a result. Red Bull will design its own engine in collaboration with Ford. Doornbos has very little faith in this, he expresses in the Ziggo Sport Race Café.
Red Bull Racing has no chance in 2026
'
You have to be with a manufacturer,' the Dutchman explains. "
One manufacturer will be champion in 2026. It will be Mercedes, Ferrari." According to Doornbos, the rules are so complex that it is difficult for a privateer to buy into that, as there are many different engines. He was asked the question:
'So Red Bull is not going to be champion?' To which Doornbos replied: "
Not in 2026 no."On reflection, the former F1 driver does not rule out Audi and Honda for the world championship either. According to Doornbos, Ford only has a very small stake in the whole Powertrains project. At that, he mentions again that he thinks
Max Verstappen will leave for Mercedes in 2026.
This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.
If any of the current Honda designed components of the PU are carried over to 2026, then those will still be good. However, any new portions that is from Ford, I also have my doubts on how efficient or durable they will be, if the reliability of their road vehicles are anything to go by... from the problems with their Expeditions and Explorer trucks to their Focus and Fiesta cars.
Comparing Audi and Ford as 'new mannufacturers' in F1 PU, I will put my money that Audi will come up with a better unit.
Mech you're wrong, in future remeber.
Red Bull will not be able to use Honda's engine IP to design a new power unit for the 2026 regulations.
"That's right, they can't use it," said Masashi Yamamoto, Honda's F1 boss, when asked about Red Bull's use of the IP for 2026 and beyond.
But next year and until the end of 2025, Red Bull does have permission to use the Honda IP.
Untill the next time Mech
Vegan, you are also wrong. Remember for the future.
Red Bull do not have access to any Honda IP until the end of 2025. Honda has and always have maintained their engines in Sakura even after they decided to leave F1. Only FIA sealed race ready engine with tags are delivered to RBR HQ for use at races etc.
Until the next time Vegan.
Read and learn, i said nothing ,it was Masashi Yamamoto, Honda's F1 boss that said that, untill next time Mech ?